Quinault Canyon Ocean Current and Temperature Mooring Data 1979

Six recovered moorings provide ocean current and temperature data from the Quinault Canyon region. The dataset contains processed measurements from Aanderaa current meters, sampled at 20-minute intervals and filtered for spurious values. Collected by the University of Washington in 1979, this data supports analysis of shelf and slope circulation patterns.

Use Cases

• Analyzing cross-shelf current variability using the u (eastward) and v (northward) velocity components.
• Studying water temperature fluctuations over time at specific mooring locations (QC1, QC2, QC5, QC7, QC8, QC10).
• Validating regional ocean circulation models with in-situ current meter observations.
• Investigating the frequency and structure of coastal upwelling or downwelling events.

Strengths

• Data underwent quality control, including editing for spurious values and application of a 5-point binomial filter.
• Measurements from six distinct mooring locations provide spatial coverage of the Quinault Canyon area.
• Current speed and direction were measured and rotated to true North, ensuring geographic accuracy.

Limitations

• The exact row count, file size, and complete column list are unknown across all sources.
• Data from two Vector Measuring Current Meters (VMCM) is excluded as unfiltered data was unavailable.
• Sources conflict on the 'last updated' date, reporting both 1979-08-28 and 2026-03-05.

Provenance

Source

University of Washington, deployed and recovered by NOAA NCEI.

Collection Method

Data collected from Aanderaa current meter moorings deployed on the seafloor.

Time Range

1979-04-28 to 1979-08-28

Freshness

2026-03-05 23:46:57.828975

Geography

Vicinity of Quinault Canyon, North East Pacific Coast (Washington/Oregon).